Technical Director Geotechnical

Mott MacDonald; Auckland; On-site; NZD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Flexible working

Ongoing professional development

Employee ownership model

Job summary

Mott MacDonald in Auckland is seeking a Technical Director in Geotechnical Engineering. The role involves leading a team, driving client engagement, and ensuring high-quality project delivery. You will collaborate with various teams and manage relationships with senior clients.

Ideal candidates will have a degree in geotechnical or civil engineering, at least 15 years of experience, and a track record of leading teams and managing client relationships. A competitive salary and various benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• A degree in geotechnical or civil engineering.
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) or equivalent.
• Typically 15+ years' experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Proven track record in client relationship management.
• Strong technical capability in foundations and infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow a team of ~10 geotechnical engineers.
• Drive client engagement and manage bids and proposals.
• Oversee project profitability and commercial performance.
• Lead geotechnical input on complex projects.
• Collaborate with various teams across the business.

Skills

Client relationship management

Team leadership

Commercial management

Geotechnical design

Ground characterisation

Communication skills

Education

Degree in geotechnical or civil engineering

Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng)

Tools

Plaxis

Rocscience

GeoStudio

Job description

Technical Director – Geotechnical, Auckland

This senior leadership role focuses on ensuring high‑quality technical delivery, pursuing and winning work, and driving commercial performance. You’ll lead a high‑performing team, build trusted client relationships, and actively grow the geotechnical capability across New Zealand.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead and grow a team of ~10 geotechnical engineers
  • Provide technical direction, coaching and career development
  • Build capability and create a strong, collaborative team culture
• Drive client engagement and work winning
  • Develop and maintain senior client relationships across public and private sectors
  • Lead bids, proposals and presentations
  • Identify and convert opportunities into secured work
• Own commercial performance
  • Oversee project profitability, resourcing and risk
  • Support pricing strategies and commercial decision‑making
  • Ensure delivery is aligned with client expectations and business outcomes
• Provide technical leadership
  • Lead geotechnical input on complex and high‑profile projects
  • Review and sign off key deliverables and Producer Statements
  • Provide expert advice on ground risk, design and construction
• Collaborate across the business
  • Work closely with transport, water, buildings and structural teams
  • Leverage global expertise and contribute to wider practice leadership

What you’ll bring

• A degree in geotechnical or civil engineering
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) (or equivalent)
• Auckland Council Producer Statement Author (PS1) or ability to obtain
• Significant experience (typically 15+ years) in geotechnical engineering
• Proven track record in:
  • Client relationship management and work winning
  • Leading teams and developing people
  • Commercial management of projects
• Strong technical capability across:
  • Ground characterisation and geotechnical design
  • Foundations, earthworks, slope stability and infrastructure projects
• Experience with tools such as Plaxis, Rocscience or GeoStudio (preferred)
• A pragmatic, solutions‑focused mindset with strong communication skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary and performance‑based bonuses
• Flexible working through our Agile Work Policy
• Enhanced KiwiSaver contributions
• Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities
• A pipeline of meaningful, technically challenging projects
• A culture that values wellbeing, inclusion and sustainability
• Employee ownership model that provides a direct stake in the business and opportunities for personal growth

Additional information

This is an opportunity to step into a true leadership role – shaping a team, strengthening client partnerships and driving the future of our geotechnical business in New Zealand. If you’re interested in this role and looking for a part‑time permanent opportunity, please apply.